3 Reasons I Serve in Sunday School Every Sunday

Every-Sunday volunteers are becoming more and more rare in
Sunday schools everywhere. For directors, this is unfortunate for a
prime reason–it increases the number of people you have to
recruit. For teachers, I’m afraid they’re being robbed of huge
blessings. And for children and families, I’m afraid that they’re
missing out on amazing ministry that happens when someone is
willing to commit weekly.

For me as a teacher, there are three key reasons that I want to
be with my 2-year-olds every Sunday at 9:30 (that I’m in town).

1. Consistent Presence–Studies are showing
that “regular church attendance” means twice-a-month attendance. So
my kids and their families are coming to church inconsistently. Who
knows which Sunday these kids will attend? When they come, I want
them to have some consistency–and someone who knows their name. If
I’m there every week, the one consistent presence for them–other
than God himself–is me. This consistency pays off. When little
ones are hesitant to come to class, they see me and I know
something about them that I can use to pull them into class.
“Hey, Logan, we have trains! Want to play trains with me?” Other
than that, parents have told me that their children have struggled
when I’ve been gone–they want to see the same face every week!

2. Family Ministry–We talk a lot about family
ministry and how important the family is to reach children today.
But where do we think that really happens? I believe that for many
parents it happens at the drop-off/pickup time in Sunday school.
Just a few weeks ago, Elijah’s mom said, “I see you here every week
but I don’t even know your name.” We introduced ourselves and the
next week enjoyed the new budding relationship we’re building. A
single mom recently told me that her son is stuttering and she
didn’t know what to do. So I asked a former speech pathologist for
help then emailed the mom with some advice. That kind of trust and
intersection with one another’s lives comes from being there for
those parents week in and week out.

3. Delight--I say it over and over: Being with
my 2-year-olds on Sunday morning is the highlight of my week. I
love helping them know that Jesus loves them! I enjoy sharing God’s
Word with them. I love hugging them, playing with them, feeding
them, and taking care of their needs. Serving them and loving them
meets needs in my life that nothing else does. Yeah, it’s selfish
but the rewards keep me coming back week after week.

About Author

Christine has more than 26 years of children’s ministry experience. She is the Executive Editor of Children’s Ministry Magazine, has authored many books and articles on children’s ministry, and serves as Group’s Children’s Ministry Champion. She’s responsible for development and innovation of new resources.

3 Comments

Oh Chris, I feel the same way about my Wed. night class. I've taught it almost exclusively for the last three years… with a few missed weeks here and there. And boy to I feel it in MY OWN life when I'm not there. These children ranging from 2 – 4th Grade are such a joy to work with and we learn together. Thank you for feeling the same way I do.

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